Variety reported today that TNT has decided to go forward with its television adaptation of Snowpiercer. The series is based on the 2013 South Korean film of the same name by director Bong Joon-Ho, which in turn used the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige as its source material. The television adaptation has been in the works since 2015.
Snowpiercer is a futuristic sci-fi tale that follows the last of the Earth’s population struggling to survive on a train that travels the all-frozen, uninhabitable planet. While Bong Joon-ho’s film takes place more than 10 years after the Earth freezes over, the TNT adaptation will take place only 7 years after. However, the television series will delve into similar themes that the film incorporated, such as class issues, social injustices, and politics of survival.
Snowpiercer has attracted an impressive cast, with actors Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs, Mickey Sumner, Susan Park, Benjamin Haigh, Sasha Frolova, Katie McGuinness, and Alison Wright all set to star in the series.
Connelly will play Melanie Cavill, a passenger in first class who is responsible for making PA announcements to the entire train and who has a fascination with the lifestyle of the lower class passengers. Diggs will play Layton Well, a passenger in the back of the train who becomes involved with the class struggle.
Sarah Aubrey, executive VP of TNT’s original programming, released an enthusiastic statement on TNT’s decision to green-light Snowpiercer. “I’m a personal fan of Bong Joon-Ho’s epic film, and jumped at the chance to honor his original vision, yet expand upon the world and characters with a diverse, award-winning cast,” Aubrey said. “Science fiction is the perfect genre to examine issues of race, class, gender and natural resources with thought-provoking and exciting storytelling. Snowpiercer will explore those relevant issues while embarking on a wild, action-filled ride.”
TNT has not yet released information on when Snowpiercer will premiere.
